Since Egyptians believed a pharaoh was a godlike, powerful being, falcons were also considered royal birds and symbols of pharaohs’ might, supreme rule, glory and power.

Ancient Egyptians believed pharaohs are Horus’s incarnation on Earth, so they would often portray their rulers with a falcon’s head, as well.

Also, during the era of first pharaohs’ dynasties, the path of a ruler’s ascending to the throne was known by the title of ‘a falcon’s flight.

The Peregrine

The peregrine falcon is the most numerous and probably the most beautiful representative of falcon birds’ genus.

This amazing flying predator lives all around the world; it is usually known simply as a ‘peregrine’ and as ‘duck hawk’ (only in North America).

It is a large bird, with characteristic bluish and grey feathers on its back, and white striped underparts, with dark feathers on the head.

Because of colours of its feathers, in some eastern European countries, it is known as a ‘grey falcon’.

Peregrine falcon is the fastest flying bird on our planet, a characteristic for which this impressive creature is especially admired and favoured as a hunting bird.

Some research data suggest it could achieve speed up to almost 400 km per hour;

No wonder this amazing bird has been inspiring legends, beliefs and admiration for ages. It is probably the most loved and admired falconry species, with a falconry ‘career’ lasting for about three millenniums or even more!

Peregrines are easy to train and they express incredible readiness to hunt. Because of so long use in falconry, peregrines had become endangered species over time and law in many areas of the world protects them.

Native American peregrine beliefs – Peregrine falcon has special spiritual significance to Indians of Mississippi in North America.

Just as falcons in other mythologies are associated with sky and sky deities, peregrine falcons are believed to be spiritual beings in connection with sun and sky, light and a higher order of things.

Falcon as spirit animals was particularly important to tribes of Pascagoula, Cahokia, Choctaw and Chickasaw.

Mississippian Indians believe peregrines have special, supernatural powers and that the bird is able to travel between heavens and earth, carrying messages from forces that reside in the upper world and look over the people.

They believed in a mythological character of a Birdman, which was portrayed in a form of a peregrine falcon. Native Americans believed birdman peregrine protects our world from evil spirits of the underworld.

Peregrine falcon was a powerful warfare symbol for Native Americans. They believed it would bring them luck and victory;

They performed dance ceremonies in which participants would wear Falcons’ feathers, winged costumes and masks resembling the bird.

They believed such ritual could help them get in touch with the realm of good spirits and help them absorb powers from the mighty peregrine falcon.

Some archaeological findings suggest how much Native Americans had worshipped the peregrine. Burial beds of their chieftains were shaped in a form of the bird (those were made out of shell beads).

Falcon Lessons

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While Waiting

On the basis that things Grow by Delay I began killing time by doing a spot of sniff mapping around Central Victoria with my two dogs. While my companions and I waited for Godotto provide some direction, magic has taken place. When we slow down, connect with the country and create a nurturing environment, the blossom turns to fruit and the wheat ripens. Forks in the road appear that take us in exciting new directions.

Soul Food Constellation

The Soul Food Cafe, built by Heather Blakey, was inhabited by an international group of writers and artists whose global mission was to promote writing and art-making as a daily practice through the use of interactive web-based technologies such as blogging and e-mail groups. While Waiting for Godot is a branch of this complex site.

Soul Food remains a wonderful resource. Using the Wayback Machine link you can access all the features of this quirky world.

Finnish Lapphunds

The Finnish Lapphund is a hardy, easy going, medium-size breed of Spitz type. Traditionally this dog has been engaged to help herd reindeer. Although it is one of the most popular dog breeds in its native country, Finland, it is not very numerous outside of the Nordic countries. Lapphunds are not common in Australia but an increasing number have found their way here.

Contact While Waiting for Godot

heatherblakey@fastmail.fm

Acknowledgement of Country

Anika, Archie and I acknowledge that we are on Jaara country, and that the members and elders of the Dja Dja Warrung community and their forebears have been custodians of this land for many centuries, performing age-old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We acknowledge their living culture and their unique role in the life of this nation. We pay respect to the elders past and present of the Dja Dja Warrung nation and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.